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Ever wonder what college will really be like? How you'll handle the course work? What it'll feel like to live in a dorm? Ever wish you could check out college life now? Well, thousands of high school students are getting a sneak peek at what college is all about -- learning the ropes of dorm life, exploring possible majors, and even earning college credit -- through  

summer programs

 .

Whatever You're Interested In, It's Out There
No matter what you're into -- art or writing, math or computers -- there's a pre-college program out there that's right for you.

Alfred University in Alfred, NY, has weeklong Summer Institutes in subjects ranging from astronomy to entrepreneurial studies, plus programs in sports and the performing arts. Or, if you're really into art, check out the Rhode Island School of Design's Pre-College Program, Providence, RI, where you can study drawing, painting, and sculpture.

At Cornell University's Summer College, Ithaca, NY, dozens of college courses are offered, including International Relations, Computer Programming, and Creative Writing. You can combine your college course work with an Exploration Seminar that gives you a chance to learn about specific fields in depth. In the Exploration in Veterinary Medicine Program, for instance, you get to experience the profession with field trips, labs, and talks with veterinarians. "It's a really unique opportunity for a high school student" to gain firsthand experience, says Abby Eller, director of Summer College.

"Hot" Career Experience
Some programs can even give you a head start in your chosen career. Take Syracuse University's Summer College Programs, for instance. You can choose from nine programs that provide full immersion in the industry of your choice, including Fashion and Textile Design, Management, and Engineering and Computer Science. Not only are you able to test your career and academic interests, you can even earn college credit, too.

An Academic Warm-Up
Summer programs can be a whole lot of help when you're preparing for college. For one thing, getting a preview of a specific field can really help you decide on a major. That was the experience of Greg Stoll, who attended Southwest Texas University's Honors Math Camp. "After camp, I was sure I wanted to major in math in college," says Greg. "I had always been good at math, but camp showed me I could really enjoy it as well."

Firming up your choice of a major -- and proving you can do well in it -- can be "of substantial help," when it's time to apply to schools, according to William Dunfey, director of admissions at St. Joseph's College, Standish, ME. Students who explore specific fields have proven they've "tested out their interest" in the subjects, he explains.

But the academic benefits of summer programs don't stop once you've been accepted into college; they can also go way beyond your major. Julia Bynum, a recent graduate of Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, says that the school's SummerMath program "helped me throughout my college career." She found new ways to solve problems, she adds, "in the sciences and in my everyday life."

In fact, taking college courses is a fab way to develop the independent learning style emphasized throughout most undergrad programs, no matter what your major. So it's not a problem if you take courses in a subject that's different from what you'll major in, or if you haven't decided on a major and just want to sample different subjects. No matter what subjects you take, summer programs can give you the study skills to really succeed in college.

A Real College Experience
Although every program is different, most pre-college programs provide a real taste of what college is like. "These students are essentially treated by the instructor as college students ... and they sit in classes alongside college students," says James Chansky, director of special summer programs at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY.

At the pre-college programs offered by Carnegie Mellon University, you not only work side by side with professors, you also get to live on campus, eat in the dining facilities, and challenge yourself on the collegiate level with 500 bright and motivated students from across the country. Courses of study range from Advanced Placement Early Admission, Architecture, and Art, to Design, Drama, and Music.

Learning about campus life doesn't stop in the classroom, either. Living in regular dorms with other pre-college program students, you'll also learn the ever-important skill of getting along with roommates. With regular classes and dorm life, you'll really have the experience of being a college student. Once you start freshman year, it won't all be new to you, thus making your transition from high school much easier.

Summer Study and Summer Fun
Summer programs can definitely help prepare you for college. But one of the main reasons they're so popular is that they're lots of fun. After all, they're not just about studying. Each program also offers tons of cool activities beyond the books, from sports and concerts to get-togethers and outings.

And there's always time for hanging out with the new friends you'll make. Making new friends, in fact, is a main reason why many students say they loved their summer programs. "It was a chance to meet intelligent, beautiful kids from around the country and form great friendships with them," says Neyshmi Mora, a recent attendee of the Summer Institute at Alfred University.

Take It From These Summer Students...
"I feel the program benefited me academically by exposing me to areas not covered in high school and the rigors of research work."
-Ben Austin, a New Zealand student who participated in Alfred University's Summer Institute in Astronomy

"This is an atmosphere I think all college students need to experience in order to understand the value of their education. An experience like mine could make any student, even those who don't want to go to college, take their life by the reins."
-Amanda Smith, from Ohio, who attended Cornell University Summer College

"My summer in France made me more worldly, allowed me to experience lots of new things, and helped greatly with my French. I met so many great people and learned about a new culture."
-Megan Cargan, from Pennsylvania, who attended the University of New Orleans' Glories of France tour

Combine Studies & Vacation
Imagine spending a summer in Paris -- hanging out at sidewalk cafes, shopping, taking moonlight cruises on the Seine. Now imagine getting college credit for this glam experience. You can, thanks to Summer Study in Paris (www.summerstudy.com). High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors can spend five weeks at the American University in Paris taking American college courses while immersing themselves in French language and culture.

Or, if basking on a Mediterranean beach is more your style, check out the University of New Orleans' Glories of France Program, where students stay in the dorms of the University de Montpellier, a historic French school close to beaches, cafes, and museums. While there, you can even earn from 3-12 college credits in French.

For art lovers, the Museum School of the Museum of Fine Arts, a Boston, MA, four-year college, has programs in Florence, Italy; rural Ireland; and Puerto Rico that combine art lessons with travel.

These are just a handful of the dozens of travel/study tours out there. You can find tours to everywhere from Paris to India.

Summer programs: a chance to get a glimpse of college life, explore a career, and make new friends. What could be better? Bon voyage!

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